Pegasus Project Therapeutic Riding Center
Yakima, Washington
Pegasus Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic riding center at Tumbleweed Ranch on Highway 12 in Yakima, Washington. It offers therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs, plus unmounted equine-assisted counseling, a Life Skills program for high school students and pony visits around Yakima.
- Therapeutic riding lessons (30-minute semi-private or 45-minute group)
- Equine-assisted counseling with a licensed mental health counselor
- Hope on Four Hooves sessions for military, first responders and medical professionals
- Life Skills equine-assisted learning for high school groups
- Pony Pals visits to senior care facilities, schools and organizations
- Volunteer training as sidewalkers and horse leaders
- Children and adults with special needs and disabilities
- Active and retired military
- First responders
- Medical professionals
- High school students
- Seniors in care facilities
More about this center
About the Program
Riding lessons are adapted to each rider and run weekly in eight-week sessions, Monday through Thursday. Riders choose a 30-minute semi-private lesson or a 45-minute group lesson with up to three participants. Riders need a formal diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider, and the program has a strict 200-pound weight limit.
Equine-assisted counseling is unmounted. A Pegasus equine specialist works alongside Chantè Anderson of Essence Holistic Health, a licensed mental health counselor in Washington and Oregon, in group or individual sessions. Through Hope on Four Hooves, these sessions are free for active or retired military, first responders and medical professionals, thanks to a donor.
The six-week Life Skills program brings groups of six or fewer high school students to the barn for grooming, tack care, horse nutrition and riding, with a facilitator linking each activity to everyday skills. Pony Pals brings two ponies for one-hour visits to senior care facilities, schools and other groups for $100 per visit.
The Horses and Staff
The center says it earned PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center status in December 2008. Jené Pleger is the executive director, and the team includes PATH certified instructors Karrie Myre and Michelle Koffler. The website lists 15 horses and ponies, from miniature ponies to Quarter Horses, Arabians and a Percheron cross.
History
The program began in 2003 as a pilot at Snow Mountain Ranch in Cowiche with seven riders and one instructor. In 2006 it moved to Tumbleweed Ranch, a 26-acre property in the foothills of the Washington Cascades. The center says it averages about 50 participants a week.
Location
Pegasus Project is at 4680 Highway 12, Yakima, WA 98908, on Tumbleweed Ranch in the foothills of the Washington Cascades. Mail goes to 5808A Summitview Ave #324, Yakima, WA 98908.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I enroll a rider?
Complete the New Participant Application (available in English and Spanish), including medical history and a healthcare provider's authorization, and return it to the office. Suitable applicants are enrolled or placed on a waiting list when no slot is open.
How much does therapeutic riding cost?
An eight-week riding session is $200, as listed. Tuition adjustments and full scholarships are available, and assistance applications are due two weeks before a session starts.
Who can join Hope on Four Hooves?
Active or retired military, first responders and medical professionals can apply online or call (509) 965-6990. Sessions are free and offered first come, first served.
How do I volunteer?
Tour the barn and watch a lesson, then submit a volunteer application for the next orientation. Email volunteer@pegasusrides.com or call or text 509-949-1880 with questions.
Location
Yakima, Washington 98908
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.